BVI to play Antigua ahead of 2018 WC Qualifiers
With a game against Canada in round 2, the reward for the winners of the two leg fixture, the incentives are huge.
Due to renovations on the A.O. Shirley ground, the BVI play both legs away from home at Windsor Park in Dominica with the obvious disadvantage of losing home ground advantage.
“We have had to overcome many obstacles in the preparation of the team and been forced to use other fields that are not full sized for football. However, the squad is shaping up well and I am full of confidence we can do well against Dominica,” commented Coach Avondale Williams.
Apart from various practice matches locally, Williams took his team to Anguilla to play two matches and also has a game against Antigua this weekend.
“The trip to Anguilla was a good eye opener as to where we were in terms of fitness and tactics. Although both games ended in defeat, I was happy with what I saw and have been able to rectify a few things ahead of the Antigua game. The players worked well as a unit, did all I asked of them and showed good intensity throughout the 90 minute games.”
Antigua of course is a step up from Anguilla and will be a sterner challenge. “Whilst the game will be taken seriously, it is only another practice match ahead of Dominica. We don’t know what team Antigua will pick, but my focus is on how we play and how the boys stick to the game plan. It will be a great experience and whilst hoping for a positive result, of more importance is getting the whole squad a run out and to stay injury free.”
Williams had the opportunity to watch Dominica play Antigua last weekend as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to the hosts. “Dominica looked like a young team, with some speed and skill, but we are also young and have been working hard on fitness so we should be able to match them. Antigua gave them a good run for their money and I don’t see why we can’t either.”
The full squad is: Montgomery Butler, Vasquever Frett, Daniel Barker, Troy Ceasar, Andy Davis, Gregory James, Ryan Dicker, Jamal Sargeant, Carlos Septus, Peter Monk, Trevor Peters, Karl Tuitt, Jordan Johnson, James Shearman, Shamoy Thompson, Kevin Fisher, Vanquever Frett, McTair James, Jumaane Morton, Fladimir Septus, Alton Williams, James Felix and Christopher Telemaque
The Coach is Avondale Williams, the Asst Coaches are John Riley and Lenroy Henry, Physio Sheldon Harry and Manager Wendell Nichols.
The World Cup qualifier first leg is March 26 and the 'return' leg is March 29, 2015. Both games will be streamed over the internet.
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